Updated Lidar for PA - Status and Plans

Elaine Langone Center, Forum

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to have complete topography (2-foot contours) derived from lidar data. Collected between 2006 and 2008, that data has empowered researchers, conservancies, private developers, regulators, and innovators in the understanding and management of PA’s natural resources and infrastructure. The rate of change in lidar technology and the cumulative changes wrought by man and nature over the last decade dictate that we plan and execute the collection and use of updated topography. Furthermore, advances in data analytics and data handling capacity offer heretofore impossible change detection capabilities; forest growth and fragmentation patterns over the last 10 years are clear examples of potential comparisons. This session will describe progress in the update process including: areas already updated, parties interested in completing a statewide update, and activities of the newly formed PA Lidar Working Group.